Glossary of Therapeutic Terms

Analgesic – reduces sensation of pain

Anti-biotic/Antibacterial – prevents bacterial growth.

Anti-fungal – prevents fungal growth

Anti-infections – prevents uptake of infection

Anti-parisitic – acts against insect parasites

Anti-putrescent – acts against putrification

Anti-sclerotic – prevents hardening of cells and tissues

Antiseptic – destroys microbes and prevents their growth

Anti-spasmotic – prevents or relieves spasms, convulsions or contractions.

Anti-sudorific – prevents sweating

Anti-tussive – prevents coughs

Antiviral – prevents viral growth

Balsamic – relieves sore throats, coughs etc

Calmative – sedative, calming agent

Carminative – relieves flatulence, easing abdominal pain and bloating

Cicatrisive – promotes the formation of scar tissue, thus healing

Cholagogue – promotes the evacuation of bile from the gall bladder.

Cytophylactic – promotes cell turnover, thus healing

Depurative – cleanser, detoxifier; purifies the blood and internal organs

Diuretic – promotes the removal of excess water from the body by urine

Emmenagogue – induces or regulates menstruation

Emollient – smoothes and softens the skin

Expectorant – promotes the removal from mucus to the body

Febrifuge – anti-febral agent, anti-fever

Galactagogue – induces the flow of milk

Haemostatic – stops bleeding

Hepatic – acts on the liver

Immuno-stimulant – stimulates the action of the immune system

Mucolytic – breaks down mucus

Nervine – acts on nerves; relieves nervous disorders

Pectoral – beneficial for diseases or conditions of the chest

Rubefacient – a counter-irritant, producing redness of the skin

Sedative – reduced mental excitement or physical activity

Soporific – induces, or tends to induce sleep

Stimulant – increases function all over the body

Stomachic – good for the stomach; gastric tonic, digestive aid

Tonic – invigorates, refreshes and restores body function

Vasoconstrictor – causes narrowing of the blood vessels and therefore a decrease in blood flow

Vasodialator – causes widening of the blood vessels and therefore an increase in blood flow

Vermigufe – expels intestinal worms

Vulnerary – heals wounds and sores by external application